Text of Speech of the Eminent Leader Grand Ayatollah Seyyid Ali Khamene’i
at the Opening Ceremony of the 8th OIC Summit Meeting ,Tehran, 9th December, 1997

I wish to start my speech in this brotherly forum, which is to echo the voice of Muslims world wide, by praising and glorifying Allah: 0 Lord, I praise You for knowledge, for monotheism, for worship, and for kindness. I praise You for Islamic brotherhood, for human dignity, for instruction of patience and reliance (on the Almighty), and for recommending beneficence and generosity. I extend greetings to the Holy Prophet Mohammad Mustafa (peace and praise be upon him), Your servant and Your Messenger who hoisted the banner of monotheism and equity, who raised the call of human dignity, and who liberated mankind from serving anyone or anything but You. I also send greetings to the immaculate Household, sincere friends, and disciples of the Holy Prophet (S), all worthy servants of Allah, and all human beings with pure nature. 

I wish to cordially and fraternally express welcome to all you dear guests, heads of state and officials of the Islamic countries, as well as heads and members of all delegations, the U.N. Secretary General, the secretary general of this summit, and other dear guests. Brothers and Sisters, You have now gathered together in one of the homelands and strongholds of Islam. Even though officially our President is your host, each and every Iranian also considers himself / herself as your host and welcomes you to this land of faith. Dear Guests, Our gathering is not one of friends who get together in pursuit of certain interests such that when other interests appear some other time our bonds would be severed. We are brothers who have been eternally linked by our belief in the Qur’an and who have all become a united body, namely the Islamic Ummah (nation), irrespective of any historical, geographical, and political diversity. We have inevitably accepted this link through our submission to Islam. Complaints, differences, and even tensions cast a pall on this fact, but these can always be washed away by recourse to wisdom, reason, and forbearance. Let us glance at this august gathering and this historical meeting in such a spirit to be able to reap benefit from it for determining the destiny of our own nations and that of the grand Islamic Ummah. Brothers `nd sisters and Dear Guests, At the opening of this meeting, I will present my inaugural statements with regard to three issues, namely Islam, the Islamic Ummah, and the OIC meeting and its prospects, and then come up with conclusions. 

1. Islam 

During the early days after its advent and even at present, Islam has been - and still is - a pathway toward a new world, warranting a prosperous life, moral soundness, and salvation for mankind. At the time of the advent of Islam, previously and even today, the major sufferings and grievances of man - which Islam is bent on eradicating - have permanently been the same: poverty, ignorance, discrimination, war, insecurity, and finally man's incarceration in the prison of materialism and captivity by his evil tendencies. And Islam is the religion of humanity, moderation, wisdom, and submission to the Almighty - and evidently all religions have been so before being subjected to distortion. As such, Islam presented non-extravagant remedies to the human pains and sufferings in logically and rationally acceptable ways. Islam invited mankind toward remembrance (of Allah), supplication, and establishment of spiritual relationship with the Almighty. Islam taught man and recommended to him to combat evil, Aggression, corruption and to constantly fight against egotism, selfishness, and bent for carnal desires. Islam's major decrees have taken shape in this way, and Islam's program for man's individual, social, moral, and political life have grown out of these roots. 

In Islam, social justice, different types of freedom, equitable peace, combat with oppression and Aggression, male - female relationship, relationships among the people and among the societies, self edification, inherent relationship with the Almighty are all based on those pillars and geared toward alleviating the perennial and permanent pains (gripping humanity). Today, too, contrary to life's colourful and pleasant surface appearance, mankind suffers from the same pains and sufferings that have beset humanity in the course of history: The majority of people of the world are poor, while a small number hold the major part of assets and wealth on earth. Most nations are deprived of scientific progress, while a group have used their science and knowledge as a means to mete out oppression on others. Wars flare in nooks and comers of the world, while others (not affected by war) are constantly in fear of the eruption of war. All over the world, there is discrimination among the countries, while there are class differences in most states. The Western materialistic civilisation is directing everyone toward materiality, while money, gluttony, and carnal desires are made the greatest aspirations. Finally, sincerity, truthfulness, altruism, and self - sacrifice have been replaced in many parts of the world by deception, conspiracy, avarice, jealousy, and other indecent features. 

Science, technology, equipment , speed, and facility have dramatically changed the world as compared with the past, but the chronic and age -old pains and chagrin of humanity still remain unchanged. The major problems of today are the same that existed in the past. Western liberalism, communism, socialism, and all other -isms have gone through their tests and proved their debility. As in the past, today Islam is the only remedial, curative and saviour angel: As with one thousand four hundred years ago, today, too, the following call echoes: Come to you light and a clear book from Allah; with it Allah guides him who will follow His pleasure into the ways of safety and brings them out of utter darkness into light by His will and guides them to the right path. (Holy Qur’an, Chapter Maidah, Verses 15 and16) Indeed, there has. The important consideration is the observation and recognition of the true visage of Islam (devoid of any embellishments). The illuminated visage of Islam has been defaced and defiled in the course of several centuries by the foes and in the course of longer spans of time by the ignorant and heedless friends. They have deliberately or ignorantly made additions or deletions in Islam. 

At present, too, incorrect understanding and quest for interests are still at work by the inner circles to tarnish the image of Islam. But without a shade of doubt, enemy publicity in this regard is by far more effective, by trying to embark upon this move through subtle and sly ways. One instance of the enemies' incessant efforts to this end is the massive bulk of publicity against the Islamic Iran after the establishment of the Islamic government in Iran. They felt that levelling accusations and furnishing false news would be the most conclusive ways to stave off the impacts of this grand revolution. They have uttered such falsities about us and ascribed such things to us that their words have become repetitive and completely monotonous and boring for the listeners. The Zionists, the notorious global Zionist media, and arrogant agents, in particular the Americans - namely those who have sustained the greatest losses due to the revolution - have been - and are - most active and vocal in this area. Muslim brothers, on this basis, our great task is to recognise Islam and make it recognised and become more familiar with one another. 

2. The Islamic Ummah 

The Islamic Ummah which sprang up in Madinat-un-Nabi and which stepped in the way of quantitative and qualitative growth in an astonishing and legendary way was the first political - human product of Islam. In less than half a century after the emergence of this auspicious phenomenon, it treaded almost half the entire territories of the three large neighbouring ancient civilisations, namely Iran, Rome, and Egypt. A century later, it developed a brilliant civilisation and a grand and powerful government in the heart of the world which was bound on the east by the Great Wall of China and the Atlantic Ocean coasts and on the north by the Siberian steppes and on the south by the southernmost part of the Indian Ocean. The third and fourth centuries A.H. and afterwards are embellished with such a brilliant civilisation whose academic and cultural achievements can still be seen in the modern world after a thousand years. 

When recounting the history of science and civilisation, Western historians overlook and neglect this grand and unprecedented uprising, transformation, and revolution in science, culture, and civilisation and link the history of science from ancient Greece and Rome to the Renaissance, as though science and civilisation had died for a thousand years and were of a sudden reborn during the Renaissance! But the truth of the matter is that the Middle Ages was a period of darkness, ignorance, and consternation only for the West and Europe, but for the Islamic world, which was several times larger than Europe by ranging from Andalusia to China, this was a period of illumination, awakening, and academic sublimation and boom. This reminder does not aim at boasting of the past or lamenting the decline of those days. The aim is to underline the fact that Islam and its life - inspiring knowledge which gave rise to such a massive civilisation are now at our disposal and warn us: 

0 you who believe! answer (the call of ) Allah and His Apostle when he calls you to that which gives you life ... (Holy Qur’an, Chapter Anfal, Verse 24) 

Islam has proven that it has the capacity to lead its Ummah toward civil and academic sublimation and political might and main: Faith, struggle, avoidance of discord are the only prerequisites for fulfilment of this grand objective. The Holy Qur’an teaches us: And be not infirm, and be not grieving, and you shall have the upper hand if you are believers. (Holy Qur’an, Chapter A'Iay Imran, Verse 139) 

The Qur’an also teaches us: And (as for) those who strive hard for Us, We will most certainly guide them in Our ways; and Allah is most surely with the doers of good. (Holy Qur’an, Chapter Ankabut, Verse 69) 

It also offers the following instruction, And obey Allah and His Apostle and do not quarrel for then you will be weak in hearts and our power will depart, and be patient; surely Allah is with the patient. (Holy Qur’an, Chapter Anfal, Verse 46) 

Weakness in relation to these three factors has at present engulfed the Islamic Ummah in a pitiable condition At least, over the past two centuries, the persistent and cunning enemies possessing prudence and policy and some incompetent Muslim governments have, alongside diverse historical and political factors and conditions, intensely contributed to this condition and today we have inherited them from the past generations. Brothers and sisters, let us bequeath something more glorious to the posterity. In studying the external factors conducive to the present condition, I believe that the invasion of the arrogant front is more effective. 

In our culture, arrogance refers to a power clique which relies on its political, military, scientific, and economic power and gets inspiration from a discriminatory outlook toward mankind to exert pressure on and exploit large groups of human beings, namely nations, governments, and countries with bullying and contemptuous domination, to interfere and intervene in their affairs, to plunder their assets and wealth, to bully the governments, to oppress the nations, and to insult their cultures and traditions. Salient examples are colonialism, neo- colonialism, and recently the extensive and all out political, economic, publicity, and even military invasion of the previous colonisers and their heirs. All of these are carried out in front of the eyes of our nations, which are tasting their bitter fruits. In this effective invasion, the Western powers have reaped benefit of their academic and technological advancement and of some of their national and indigenous features. We do not reprimand the enemy. Those who pave the ground for the victory of their enemies and their own defeat through short-sightedness, search for ease and comfort, and egotism deserve to be rebuked. The West, in its all - rounded invasion, has also targeted our Islamic faith and character. In the light of its store of science, needed by all, the West intensely and persistently exported to our countries the culture of laxness and disregard for religion and ethics, a culture with which it is gripped. Indubitably, this ethical quagmire will, on a not too - distant day, engulf the present Western civilisation and wipe it out. 

At the present juncture, the world of Islam is in a calamitous condition due to hostile invasions, coupled with the inner factors affecting the past generations. Poverty, ignorance, academic backwardness, moral laxness, and worst yet, the cultural and at times political domination of its enemies on the one hand and great problems such as those of Palestine, Afghanistan, Lebanon, Iraq, Kashmir, Bosnia - Herzegovina, the Caucasus, and others on the other hand offer a long list of divine and human responsibilities to the governments, political dignitaries, and leaders of the Islamic world. Today, we should take the initiative. So far, the enemy has always held the initiative, and we have, at most, complained. 

In a historical process comprised of dozens of initiatives of the enemy, Palestine has been turned into the personal belonging of the Zionists. First, Palestinian lands were purchased. Then the immigrant Zionists were armed. Afterwards, civil war raged , and Palestine's dismemberment was declared. Then new parts of that Islamic and Arab country were conquered and occupied, and ultimately it was usurped entirely while parts of Egypt, Syria, and Jordan were also annexed to it. Up to this point, the Arab neighbours of Palestine have only once held the initiative. And that was the October 1973 attack by Syria and Egypt during the holy month of Ramazan. This attack did not reach full results due to the co-operation of the U.S. with Israel and inaction of the Islamic countries; nonetheless, it was a source of honour for the Arab front and led to the liberation of a part of the Arab lands. From then on, the Zionists and their supporters, headed by the U.S., have all along held the initiative in chanting slogans of compromise and generally in consolidating the usurping occupation of Palestine, and they have driven their rivals to any possible lengths. We Muslim governments should have offered more serious assistance to the front-line states to rescue and save Palestine. In the past, some of our governments have even covertly worked to the disadvantage of the front-line states. A prominent example was the government of Iran in the Pahlavi era. Pitifully, at the said time, Iran was a safe haven for the Zionists and a sincere colleague for the usurping Israeli regime. 

Dear Brothers and sisters, This condition is incompatible with Islamic dignity and far away from the remedies to the pains grieving the Islamic Ummah. All Islamic countries should assume a meritorious role in retrieving the rights of the Palestinian people, and the world of Islam should also proceed from passivity to a state of holding the initiative. Both these duties are at present carried out wholeheartedly and with might and main only by the faithful and dignified youth in Palestine and Lebanon. Hail to them! Our opposition to the so-called Middle East peace process is because it is unjust, arrogant, contemptuous, and finally illogical. The imposed principle of "peace for land" means that the Zionists would return the lands of all neighbouring countries, provided that we accept that Palestine belongs to them. What could be 1-nore unjust than these words? What response can be offered to the ancient Palestinian nation in this losing transaction? Ironically, the Israeli regime considers this inappropriate and has rejected it!! Isn't the time rife for the world of Islam to respond to this spirit of arrogance? If we regulate our ties and make them brotherly, we will have power to do so. What can the U.S. do vis-a-vis the united front of the Islamic countries, ranging from Indonesia to North Africa? 

Today, global arrogance gains hope and strength through creating discord and disunity in this front. Is it not time to bolster and strengthen this rank in our own favour? Perhaps the existence of an enemy such as Israel in the heart of the Islamic lands could have brought us closer ... But the covert hands of arrogance effaced even this peril from along its way: It did something to us that right now we fear each other more than we fear the enemy! The temptations, falsehoods, and sly publicity have made the Islamic countries erroneously and unduly intimidated by one another. For eighteen years now, the political designers of arrogance are breathing their poisonous breath to make our neighbours in the Persian Gulf fearful of Islamic Iran which holds the banner of unity and brotherhood. I declare that Islamic Iran poses no threat to any Islamic country. Blessed by the Qur’anic injunctions, Islamic Iran is today more and than ever for unity, dignity, and might of the world of Islam. 

Thanks to the Islamic faith and notwithstanding the enemies' publicity ploys, we Iranians have upheld and preserved our national unity in an unprecedented way and enhanced public involvement in the affairs contrary to the claims and innate wishes of our enemies. The brilliant presidential elections this year was an example of this dally increasing public involvement (in the affairs). The government is united and uniform and all officials are cordial with one another. Confidence and self - reliance are the major decisive factors in all our academic, political, economic, and cultural endeavours. Possessed of this belief in our selves, which Imam Khomeini taught us, we have been able to reconstruct and rehabilitate a ruined and backward country left from the Pahlavi era and made even more ruined during the eight - year - long imposed war. We witness the same endeavour in some other brotherly countries as well. But political dignity and power are of greatest importance. Our nation and government have eradicated the influence and intervention of the foreigners in their country by recourse to Islam. Nowadays, the Islamic Ummah is avid for that self - confidence and for this dignity and independence. And all of us should muster efforts to this end. This is a historical responsibility. Today, the ground is paved for fulfilment of this duty and for acquisition of dignity, power, and full independence of the world of Islam. If co-ordination of these efforts requires a hub, we now have it at our disposal- the Organisation of the Islamic Conference (OIC). We should glance at this Organisation and its future prospects. 

3. Organisation of the Islamic Conference (OIC) and Future Prospects. 

Today, 27 years have lapsed since a fire broke out in Masjid al Aqsa, an event which resulted in the set - up of the OIC. We shoulder the duty of sending peace and greetings to the founders of this Organisation and voicing appreciation to them. But the world's present conditions expose the Organisation of the Islamic Conference to more serious expectations as compared with those of the past. This Organisation can be the symbol of true unity of the Muslim countries in the face of events and common interests. It can speak on behalf of its members, make demands, carry out requisite measures, and enjoy their financial, economic, and political backing. It can serve as a troubleshooting liaison among its members. Whenever measures and activities for an enormous task and a common objective require co-ordination, the Organisation can act as the co-ordinator. Where needed, it can engage in arbitration, and when beneficial, it can offer advice and consultations. At present, though the world of Islam has a share of less than 20 percent of the global trade -- which is the approximate ratio of Muslims compared to the overall world population -- very insignificant percentage of this amount is devoted to trade among the Islamic states. The Organisation can play an active role in this effective economic area, which will have impacts on politics of these countries as well. Currently, some of our countries enjoy precious natural and productive facilities, as well as academic, industrial, and cultural capacities and capabilities, while some other countries are in dire need of these. 

The Organisation can seriously intervene in fostering a logical and just exchange of these facilities. Today and forever, large groups of Muslims are inflicted by heart aching pains that entail immediate solution and panacea. For instance, at present, some Afghan states, such as Bamian, are exposed to public starvation and terribly cold winter conditions. The people of Iraq are gripped by one of the most difficult problems in their history due to scarcity of foodstuff and medicine. Lives of millions of human beings, especially children, are threatened there. In Algeria, the most gruesome crimes are perpetrated by covert hands to accuse the Islamists with them and to defile Islam. In Bosnia, Kashmir, Somalia, Karabakh, and some other regions, the Muslims are beset with problems. The Organisation of the Islamic Conference can set up special committees to see to these issues and solve the tangles with an effective measure in which all members have a share. To activate the Organisation in issues related to the member states, we need no one and nothing except public will and financial donations of the rich Islamic countries. The possible opposition of governments that stand to lose from Muslim unity will not be able to create any barriers along the way , If our resolve is firm. When the Muslim people of the Balkans were barbarically subjected to genocide and when the nation was standing alone and defending its Islamic identity in the face of the organised military Invasion of some countries and the indifference of other countries, the need for such a centre was felt to allay a part of the sufferings of those brothers and to significantly tilt the balance of global equations in favour of that oppressed nation. 

Right now, the presence of foreign warships and more importantly the U.S. military muscle flexing in the Persian Gulf, which is an Islamic sea and an important source of energy for the entire world, is faced with insecurity. A powerful Organisation of Islamic Conference can on the one hand use the medium of Islamic power and dignity to force the aliens to dispense with this Intervention and on the other hand eliminate the pretexts for this improper presence (in the region). The Organisation can, when needed, deploy forces from the Islamic countries to preserve and safeguard peace and security in this area. At present, Muslim minorities are intensely in pain in some countries due to discrimination, oppression, and discriminatory treatments. It is incumbent on all Muslims to aid and assist them. But in order to offer serious and acceptable assistance within the framework of international relations, we are in need of an Islamic inter - nation centre. And which centre can be more adequate than the Organisation of the Islamic Conference? There are scores of incomplete and half - done enterprises, each of which is the duty of all Islamic governments. I only mentioned some examples. In all these Islamic government can fill the vacuum for Islamic instances, no inter - governmental centre. Brothers and Sisters and Dear Guests, Let us benefit from the opportunities with the succour of the Almighty and gain greater proximity. Let us strengthen and cement the centre than binds us together The Organisation of the Islamic Conference should be able to follow up its resolutions until full implementation so that such meetings would be fructifying for our nations. 

The Organisation of the Islamic Conference should, moreover, be able to establish the inter-parliamentary union of the Islamic countries and translate the idea of the common Islamic market from a farfetched dream to a reality. It should lay the foundations for the Islamic arbitration tribunal. And finally as the representative of 55 Islamic countries and one billion and several million people, the Organisation of the Islamic Conference should become a permanent member of the United Nations Security Council and be the sixth member with veto right so long as this right exists. This was an account of the future prospects of the Organisation of the Islamic Conference, and this can delineate and depict the future Prospects of the Islamic Ummah. 

And peace be upon you, and the mercy and blessings of Allah.

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Imam Khamene'i 's message on the occasion of Hajj, 1417 / 08.04.1997

In the Name of Allah the All Beneficent, the Most Merciful.

 All praise belong to Allah the Lord of all beings and may blessings and peace be upon Muhammed, our Master, and his immaculate Progeny God, the All Wise, has said,

" And remember when we made the House a place of homecoming for the people and sanctuary (declaring) ; Take the venue of prayer from the station of Abraham. And we charged Abraham and Ismail (saying): Purify My House from those who circle it, for those who stay there in confinement and those who bow and prostrate." (2:125)

These days yet again the House of God is a host to mighty caravan of eager and enthusiastic hearts which have gathered around the Kaaba of hope from all over the world. Of the millions who shelter under the sincere servitude of the One Lord, cherish a feeling of solidarity and belonging to a unified society. Of the eyes, which are full of tears of rose water that washes the ground on which, the Prophet (pbuh), his Progeny (pbut), Awliya of God (pbut), worriers and the illustrious sons of Islam have walked. Of the souls that receive light and purity from the spiritual effulgence of the sacred Bayt Allah and the shrine of Muhammed al Mustafa (pbuh) and on his Progeny. Of the hands raised in supplication, sending forth swarms of plea and request towards the court of the One Who is without needs and of the concerned who seek the cure at the Healer’s door from the chronic ailments of the Muslim world. There they find fellow sufferers and sympathisers from every race, colour and language from every part of the world. Those who having felt weak and lonely, now find power and majesty in that place.

Yes these are the days of festival and homecoming for the Islamic world and the Muslim Ummah. It is fitting that throughout the world, Muslims and in particular the pilgrims of the Sacred House of Allah should devote these hours and moments to worship a contemplation. Those who have been blessed with this precious opportunity to perform Hajj and visit the Prophet’s shrine this year, may return to their home with hands full of Gods blessings and Divine Wisdom. Or even with renewed determination and resolve about one’s own future and that of the Islamic Ummah. Among the religious obligatory duties of Muslims, Hajj is that biggest duty which brings together both the individual and social components.

In the individual aspect, the aim is of self-purification and acquiring the Inner Light and purity. Furthermore, being detached from all irrelevant materialistic attractions by retreating into the solitude of one’s spiritual self and intimacy with God the Exalted through consistent remembrance and recourse in Him with total subservience. So much so that man may be able to find that divine straight Path which leads to perfection and wonder around in it.

In this area, the opportunities as well as test are so numerous that if one passes through them with caution and care, then undoubtedly it would be an invaluable achievement. The opportunities provided by Ihram and Talbiyah, by Tawaf and Salaat, by Sa’y and Harwalah, by the stay in Srafat and Mash’ar, by Ramy and the sacrifice and by the remembrance of God, altogether produces an environment loaded with spirit and life in all these stages. All these opportunities can provide an individual with a short course in religious discipline and practice in self-restrain (Zuhr), forbearance, gentleness and other acceptable virtues.

Within the social aspect, Hajj is unique among all the Islamic obligations. This is because it is the manifestation of the prestige, power and the solidarity of the Islamic Ummah. No other religious duty teaches every single Muslim about the affairs of the Islamic Ummah and the Muslim world. Nor do they bring every single Muslim morally and truly together into a collective power, prestige and unity. To remove this aspect of Hajj amounts to depriving the Muslims of the spring of self-respect for the Muslims which cannot be derived as through other means.

National strength is the key to all forms of success for every society and it is necessary in attaining a complete natural life. ‘National power’ means that the society and country should possess ethical and scientific qualities along with material resources, a sound political system and a general will and determination. Its a fact that if a powerful society is devoid of proper guidance, supervision and implementation of justice then that very material resources and science will lead it towards self destruction. Its will and morality gets wasted and is directed onto a course of degeneration. This is what we observe today in the case of United States and some other countries. However due to the lack of these capabilities and factors of power, countries become readily prone to the evils of moral and political decay. Thereby depriving nations of the present and the Hereafter and all that of science and morality. That is why the political and social teachings of Islam are all orientated towards attainment of power and leadership in moral, scientific, political, spiritual and material spheres by Islamic nations. Furthermore, all national leaders, who are alert, attempt to employ every resources and opportunity to make their nations powerful.

The huge Islamic nation, despite of its number and resources, lacks the power and prestige on the international arena. How can it be possible for it to obtain power and prestige that it rightfully deserves? Every single Muslims and in particular the rulers and statements of Islamic countries and the Muslim ‘Ulama, intellectuals and personalities must keep this question in their minds and try to find an answer for it.

Today the largest part of the world’s oil resources, which, without any exaggeration, forms the bloodline of the present world civilisation, exists in Muslim countries. World’s most sensitive strategic points are under the control of Muslims. A major part of mineral resources needed by the world for its present and future lies in these countries. One-fifth of the whole population belongs to them. The biggest markets for the products of the countries, which impose their hegemony upon Muslims, are in their hands. Their rich and original culture, sciences and teachings taught the West how to take those first steps in acquiring the present peak, which exists in the world’s scientific achievements. This provided the Western culture with a true existence. In spite of it all, today, on the international arena and in the general political process, Muslims do not have any say in decision making on major world issues and in defining the system of international relations. Worst still, unfortunately, many Islamic countries are subservient in planning their national policies to one or several imperialist powers because their governments are weak puppets and their nations are victims of repression and inferiority complexes. While their ‘ullama and intellectuals are subjected to fear, indifference and love for comfort. As a result, their resources go to a waste and their political affairs are directed by the imperialist powers. The great Islamic Ummah, which should employ all its potentials to realise its power and prestige, is deprived of so much of the leverage of its population and resource. These are in turn used against Islam and the Muslims by the enemies.

It is observed that the present predicaments of the Islamic world and the tragic events make life a bitter burden for millions of Muslims in different parts of the world. The unfortunate tragedy of Palestine has no parallel in present day history. The historical catastrophe of Muslims in the Balkans, the plight of Kashmir and Afghanistan, the explosive situation in the Persian Gulf, the state of Muslim minorities in some European countries are all eloquent testimonies to this bitter fact.

In recent weeks the Islamic world has been a witness to two consecutive vetoes by the United States government of the condemnation of Zionist regimes by UN security Council for the destruction of Muslim homes in the eastern quarters of Baytul Muqaddas. This is the same United States, which derives a large part of its political and financial strength from the existence of Muslim Arab countries. The governments of these countries make open advances of friendship and respect towards her and offer her their wealth and even parts of their territories. Why is it that in return for these friendly terms, the United States is not ready, even for once, to heed to their wishes on the issue of Palestine? Without doubt, no Arab and Muslim statesman can remain indifferent or fail to be enraged by the recent aggression of the Zionist regime. These replicate the continuous crimes of that regime which had been perpetrated throughout the last fifty years and which have even violates the terms of the so-called peace agreement of recent years. Why does the long standing friendship and loyalty of Arab statesmen towards the United States fail to make the slightest impact on the daily escalating US support of the usurper regime? It’s a fact that the present government of more subservient to the Zionist that was the preceding government, but when if ever, has a successive US governments considered their Arab friends equal to their Zionist sibling or taken even once, any measures that might displease the Zionist usurpers?

There are many lamentable issues involved in this matter. The tale of the neglect and on occasion’s absolute treachery by insiders and the ultimate arrogance and obscenity by outsiders and enemies is not something, which can be told in this belief discourse. What I will say is that the enemy’s wrongdoing is due to the lack of enthusiasm of our front line in making full use of all its power and potentials and employing the capabilities its population and resources to encounter the enemies. The greatest reserve of the Islamic world is the huge Islamic ummah and the Muslim nations. Its thunderous protest arising from its unity, concord, mutual understanding coupled with the intellectual potentials, manpower and God given resources can deafen the ears of any imperialist power and send tremors into the hearts and compell it into submission.

Hajj highlights a manifestation and an example of this great and inexhaustible reserve before our eyes. It is here that the real significance of the declaration of bara’ah (with Mushrikeen) in Hajj becomes clear and that is how the collective cry of Muslims in declaring Bara’ah with the Mushrikeen breathes life into Hajj and gives it meaning and content.

Now, how can any Muslim have any doubt about the importance of the words of wisdom which declare, "A Hajj without the Bara’ar is no Hajj."

The Muslim nations should know that if they are united God shall be with them and God is more powerful than any potent phenomena in the material world. Muslim governments should know that their people are their strongest bastion in confrontation with aggressive, greedy and merciless predatory alien powers. If the powers are given ground and relied upon, and if they are treated with honesty and sincerity, then the government will come to enjoy power. Such that they would not need to be afraid of any enemy in battle nor stand in need of any alien power in public life and development.

It is with the blessing of this harmony that the government and the people of Iran have, trusting God, stood their ground against the arm twisting tactics of the United States, unshaken by their repeated threats. Confident of their rightful stance, they feel so strong that they see their future as bright, their path as clear and find their hearts to be full of confidence and hope, despite the pressures that are brought upon them on all sides by imperial stooges.

Dear brothers and sisters from all over the world! Utilise the precious opportunity provided by the great concourse of Hajj and strengthen the bonds of love and understanding of yourselves. Get acquainted with the destiny of one another and learn from each other’s experience. Learn the secrets of the steadfastness and fortitude of the Islamic Republic and the great Iranian people.

Proclaim loudly during Hajj your unity and solidarity. Declare vigorously your animosity to arrogance, injustice and hypocrisy. Summon your ‘ullama, intellectuals and political and renounced personalities to exchange views. Show your support for the oppressed people of Palestine and make the enemies hear your demands concerning the problems of Palestine.

Contrary to the biased propaganda of the enemies, the people of Iran consider Hajj a high platform for the growth of awakening of the Muslim Ummah. The seek to utilise their presence for the benefit of the whole Muslim world not merely their own interests. The Iranian people possess an experience that can be greatly valuable for all Islamic countries. With the blessing of the sovereignty of Islam this great nation has been able to recover and keep its political, economical and cultural independence. That which had been totally lost during the era of Taghut. Thereby revealing the greatness and glory of Islam in encountering global issues. She has successfully defended her frontiers against several years of aggression carried out by military, financial and psychological means in the hands of the enemies of Islam. After eight years of war she has managed to rebuild herself and thereby displayed the miracle of the revolution in rebuilding the country’s infrastructure. She has also succeeded in obtaining a high and prestigious position on the international arena. She has elected several consecutive governments to administer affairs of the country within the spheres of scientific, research, industrial and agricultural developments. This has made freat `dvancements hn the country’s development.

In foreign policy, Iran has boldly defended the position she considers right. The issue of Palestine is considered in it as the most important problem in the Islamic world despite the wishes of United States and the Zionists to try and cast it into oblivion. She has used every opportunity to keep this issue constantly alive every opportunity is taken in assisting the oppressed Bosnian people and always there is a helping hand for Muslim nations who are facing ordeals. These policies are pursued and firmness Is demonstrated despite the daily escalation nf pressure from imperialists and constant treats from America. This is `n experience that is valuable for all Muslim nations and states.

In all sincerity, I extend my hand of friendship towards all Muslim states and welcome their co-operation and mutual understanding in solving the problems of the Islamic world. It is my humble advice to all Muslim nations that they should realise the relevance of yourself and Islam and the luminous precepts of the Quran.

The great lessons taught to us by our respected Imam, the late Imam Khomeini, May God be pleased with him, was that of returning to one’s origins and returning to Islam. Thereby realising our own importance and that of our enormous spiritual reserves. The Iranian people have found the path of felicity by putting this lesson into practice. They have covered several stages of this path and have continued to march ahead. There is no other path of prosperity for other nations except this one.

If this was to happen then the usurper Zionist regime will not be able to resist the power of the Islamic Ummah. Likewise, the United States would not dare anymore consider the destiny of the people of Palestine as a joke and make a laughing stock of the Arab states.

Should this happen, the Arab states will not find themselves compelled, contrary to justice and fact, to disregard the people of Palestine or consider the Palestinian problem as being irrelevant. Thereby allowing the Zionist access to Arab societies by establishing political and economic relations with the usurper and aggressor regime and lifting the siege which could so easily strangle the Zionist regime in the course of time.

We have no doubt that in the very near future with the sacrifice and awareness of the Muslim world, the people of Palestine will ultimately recover their usurped rights. They will expel the alien aggressors and oppressors from their homeland. However, it will be the will and the determination of the Muslim states and nations, with the grace of God that would expedite this process and lessen the ordeals.

In concluding, I would like to invite all the dear pilgrims to make full use of this precious opportunity of Hajj for their personal spiritual development and to build their collective future. I hope that they will remember all the Muslims of the world in their prayers and particularly those who are victims of bitter events and ordeals of life. Furthermore, please do not forget me, a mere servant of God in your supplications.

May peace and God’s blessings be upon the Imam of the time and may Allah, the Exalted, expedite in his appearance by removing all obstacles.

WAS SALAMU ‘ALAYKUM WA RAHMATULLAHI WA BARAKATUH.

Ali al Husayni al Khamene’I

2^nd Dhu al Hijjah 1417, 21 Farvardeen 1376, 08 April 1997

Sermon of Hazarath Imam Khamein'i at Mashad (23.3.1997)

(the exact date could not been found, it must be between 20 and 25 March 1997)

Praise be to God, the Lord of the worlds. Praise be to God to whom all praise is due for all His bounties. Praise be to God for His Clemency and His Knowledge, and for His forgiveness and His power;. Praise be to God for His great patience while in wrath. He has power over what He wills. We praise Him whose help we seek, whose forgiveness we ask and in whom we put our trust. May our benedictions and peace be upon His sincere and noble friend and the best of His creatures, the guardian of His secrets, His messenger, the herald of His mercy, the one who warns of His punishment, our Master, Prophet and beloved, Abu al-Qasim al- Mustafa Muhammad. Furthermore, upon his household, the most immaculate, purest and select, the infallible rightly guided leaders, especially the remnant of God on earth and may salutation be upon the divinely inspired Imams of Muslims and the protectors of the oppressed. O servants of God, I advise you to have fear of God so as to seek worldly pleasures and not to be allured by the world.

On this great day, I advise all the dear praying brothers and sisters to be God fearing, devout and chaste, because these days belong to the Lord of the pious of the world. The greatest lesson of these days is piety (taqwa). We should be careful about our work, conduct, speech, association and about what occurs in our minds, that is, our innate state, and try not to deviate from the divine path. This is the meaning of piety (taqwa), and perhaps one of the main goals of fasting in Ramadhan is to realise piety within us and to transform ourselves into pious human beings.

Today is Friday and it is one of those great days similar to which one can hardly find. It coincides with twenty-first of Ramadhan, marking the Day of Blessing (Qadr), which is as important as the Night of Blessings, and the day of the martyrdom of the Commander of the Faithful (pbuh), which provides us with one of the bitter reminders of historical Islamic events. It also coincides with the twelfth of Bahman, which is the inception of the sovereignty of Islam over this country (Iran) and the revival of Islam world wide. That is, the return of the Imam to Iran to administer truth and justice. In other words, several important occasions have occurred simultaneously , which we should appreciate.

In the first sermon, initially I wish to express my devotion to Imam Ali, the Commander of the Faithful (pbuh). Secondly, I would like to mention some important points concerning the occasion of the Days of Blessing (Qadr), with regards to our psychologically and spiritually problems. This is that which returns one to God, improves one's inner dimension and removes and purifies the heart from sins. On the first Friday of Ramadhan, I mentioned some points on seeking God's forgiveness. In the second sermon, I will speak a little about the problems of the Revolution and will refer to an essential point concerning the Revolution.

In looking at the life of the Commander of the Faithful (pbuh) we can imagine an ocean whose dimensions cannot possible be comprehended by people both at a single glance and also through a long study. If you approach the ocean from one direction, you will observe a majestic world, various seas, abysmal depths, various aquatic creatures and various forms of life and sea wonders. Apart from this, if you were to approach it from another direction, you will observe the same wonders. This analogy is insufficient in explaining the personality of the Commander of the Faithful (peace be upon him). If you look into this personality in any respect, without exaggerating, you will find that it is something that is wonderful. In retrospect, it can be said that it is due to the inability of a person who has studied the life of the Commander of the Faithful (pbuh) over the years to comprehend this wonderful state of Ali's (pbuh) character. This is understood to be the case even after using common perceptual faculties of mind, reason, memory and rationality.

Of course, the Commander of the Faithful (pbuh) is a small-scale model and a disciple of the Holy Prophet. However this very great personality, in spite of seeing himself humble before the Prophet and being himself a disciple of his, seems to us an exceptional hyman when we want to look upon him from the human point of view. We cannot imagine a human being with such greatness. The human faculties of perception, reason and mind (not to mention the TV camera which is much more insignificant than the human mind which is superior to any material instruments) are too insignificant in articulating personality of the Commander of the Faithful (pbuh) to those who have not acquired spiritual intuition and contemplation.

Today, I want to mention a point about the life of the Commander of the Faithful (pbuh) (peace be upon him). It is about a characteristic which I interpret as a balance in the personality of the Commander of the Faithful (pbuh). His personality possesses a wonderful balance. That is, the apparently opposite and inconsistent qualities are so beautifully combined together so much so that they create a wonderful combination. One cannot see anyone within whom such qualities brought together. Such qualities exist within the Commander of the Faithful (pbuh) which are quite opposite to each other.

Now, I will mention some of these opposite qualities that are present within For instance, mercy and gentleness are not in harmony with decisiveness and firmness. However, Amir al-Momineen possessed mercy and gentleness at the highest degree. Such a condition can hardly be found in ordinary people. For instance, those who help the poor and visit the oppressed families are many in number, but it is only the Commander of the Faithful (pbuh) who on the one hand does such things during his rule and power but does not do it temporarily, rather continuously. While on the other hand he is not content himself by rendering material aids but he also associates with and kindly treats blind people and small children and helps, respects and makes them happy. How many people like this can we find among those who are merciful and affectionate. Such is the Commander of the Faithful (pbuh) in terms of mercy and compassion.

He visits the house of a widow having small children, and in addition to preparing her oven, he bakes bread for her and feeds her children. He plays with the sad children so that they may smile, bows down and lets them mount on his back and be carried by him. In their shabby house, he amuses them so that the orphan children may laugh. Such is the mercy and compassion of the Commander of the Faithful (pbuh). With regards to this, a great man of that time said, "I saw Amir al-Momineen feeding honey to the poor and orphan children so often that I said silently; `I wished I were an orphan." He said that because he wished that he had been an orphan so as to enjoy such a favour of Ali. This is an example of the tenderness and compassion of Ali.

It is this Amir al Momineen who at the Battle of Nahrawan, when a number of deviant and bigoted individuals decided to overthrow the rule by false pretexts, the Commander of the Faithful (pbuh) confronted them and advised them but it was of no use. He then argued with them but that too was of no use to them. He then sent a mediator to them but this was also useless. He gave them financial assistance and promised to help them but this did not resolve the situation either. Finally, when he decides to fight them he again tried to advise them but this did not help. At this point it was necessary to show decisiveness. They were twelve thousand in number. Ali (pbuh) gave a banner to one of his companions and said, "Anyone who comes under this banner by the following day will be secure while I will fight with those who remain.." Out of the twelve thousand, eight thousand came under the flag and they were pardoned by the Commander of the Faithful (pbuh) regardless of their previous hostility, slander and conflict. When Ali (pbuh) found out that the remaining four thousand were determined to fight, he said to them, "If you are determined to fight, then not even ten of you will survive out of the four thousand." He started the battle. From the four thousand strong, only nine remained while the rest were killed. This is the same Ali (pbuh) who is like this because he sees the group as wicked and evil people acting like scorpions.

The word Khawarij (Kharijites) is not well translated. Unfortunately, it is seen that in speech, poetry, the film and so on, it is interpreted as religious conservatives. This is a wrong interpretation. Who is a religious conservative? During the time of the Commander of the Faithful (pbuh), there existed many who were self-willed. If you wish to know the Kharijites, I will give you examples of them of our time. You remember the Munafiqin (hypocritical)? They recited the Quranic verses and sermons from Nahjul Balagha, pretended to be religious and considered themselves more Islamic and revolutionary than others. In those days they planted bombs and killed all the members of a family consisting of adults, children and babies at the time of Iftar (breaking of fast) in Ramadhan. Why? Is it because they were supporters of the Imam and the Revolution. They unexpectedly planted bombs and killed a large number of innocent people in some city square. Through their bombing, the eighty-year-old ritual Friday prayer leader was martyred, who was an old pious and luminous man and a struggler in the cause of Allah. In a bombing, they also martyred about five other ritual Friday prayer leaders, being learned, distinguished, pious religious scholars. The actions they perpetrated were such that they were Khawarij. They killed Abd al-ibn Khabbab, cut open the abdomen of his pregnant wife and killed her foetus, who was only a few months old and crushed her brain. Why? Was it because they were followers of to Ali (pbuh). They must be removed and killed. They are the Khawarij.

You should know the Khawarij exactly. They were those who adhered to the apparent aspects of religion and the verses of the Quran. They memorised the Quran and Nahjul Balagha (In view of the fact that during that time the Quran played a dominant role and in later they held to whatever was in their interest and thereby kept their religious appearances). They apparently believed in certain aspects of religious tenets, but they opposed the essential elements of the religion and showed fanatical opposition to it. They pretended to be worshippers of God yet they were totally servants of Satan. You witnessed that the Munafiqin (hypocrites) once made such claims and strengthened their apparent religious state. When they deemed it necessary they struggled against the Revolution. Imam and the system of the Islamic Republic. They were prepared to work for America, the Zionists, Saddam and anybody else and be subservient to them . Such were the Khawarij. In those days the Commander of the Faithful (pbuh) (pbuh) stood firmly against them. This is that same Ali (pbuh).(Angry with the Kuffar and merciful within themselves)

You see how these two characteristics create beauty. Such a merciful and tender man who could not bear seeing an orphan child sad. He says that he will not leave unless he makes the child laugh. Then he stands against those deviant and wrongdoing people, who would sting any innocent person like a scorpion, and kills about four thousand within a few hours on a day. As for the companions of Ali (pbuh), less than ten , in fact five or six were martyred. Out of the four thousand in the opposite camp, less than ten, that is about nine remained alive. This is what is meant by a balance in personality.

Another example is his piety and authority of that respected person, which is something that is extremely unusual. What is meant by wara (piety)? That is, man should abstain from everything that is suspicious and implies opposition to religion. On the other hand, what is meant by authority? After all is it possible for a ruler to display piety in such a manner? Now that at present we are involved in it we can see how important these attributes are when they materialise in anybody. During government, one faces problems in the general sense, and executes laws which are of extreme benefit. However its possible that in this process a person may be treated unjustly somewhere. After all an officialis a human being so its possible he may violate a rule somewhere in this world or the country. How can it be possible for one to be pious in spite of all these uncontrollable surroundings? Thus, it appears so that the government is not consistent with piety. However, the Commander of the Faithful (pbuh) (pbuh) combined the highest degree of piety with the most powerful kind of government, which is quite an unusual thing.

He was frank with everybody. When he found a governor to be inefficient and incompetent, he removed him. Muhammmad ibn Abi Bakr was like a son to the Commander of the Faithful (pbuh) (pbuh) and he loved him like his own sons. He also looked upon Ali ibn Abi Talib (pbuh) as his father. He was the youngest son of Abu Bakr and a devoted disciple of the Commander of the Faithful (pbuh) and was brought up by Ali (pbuh). The Commander of the Faithful (pbuh) (pbuh) sent Muhammad ibn Abi Bakr to Egypt as a governor. Then, he wrote a letter saying to the effect that you are not sufficiently able for Egypt and therefore I replace you and put Malik-e-Ashtar in your place. Muhammad ibn Abi Bakr became annoyed as a human being in spite of having a lofty rank. However, the Commander of the Faithful (pbuh) (pbuh) paid no attention to this. Muhammad ibn Abi Bakr was a great personality who helped the Commander of the Faithful (pbuh) (pbuh) at the Battle of the Camel and during the allegiance. He was the son of Abu Bakr and the brother of A`ishah, the Mother of the Faithful. Although he was so important to the Commander of the Faithful (pbuh) (pbuh), he paid no heed to the annoyance of Muhammad ibn Abi Bakr. This is the meaning of piety, which is beneficial to anyone and any ruler during government. The Commander of the Faithful (pbuh) (pbuh) possessed supreme piety.

A poet called Najashi wrote poems for the Commander of the Faithful (pbuh) and against his enemies. One day in Ramadhan, he was passing through a lane when a corrupt man told him to spend the day with him. He said that he was going to mosque in order to, let's say, pray and recite the Quran. The man told him to attach no importance to the day of Ramadhan and spend the day with him and persuaded him by force. At last, the poet went to his house and started breaking his fast and drinking wine. He did not want to do that, but he got involved. When it was found out that they had drunk, the Commander of the Faithful (pbuh) said that each of them should be punished by being given eighty lashes for drinking wine and ten or twenty more lashes for committing that in Ramadhan. Najashi said, "I am a poet and an eulogise of your government. I fought against your enemies by way of words. So, you the intention to flog me? To say it in our own words, the Imam told him that irrespective of being dear and important to me, the divinely-ordained punishment will not be cancelled. His relatives appealed to the Imam saying, "He was a poet and flogging would be disgraceful for us and we would not regain our honour." Imam said, "This can never happen. I cannot stop the punishment from being applied." The man was laid down and flogged. Then, he escaped and disappeared overnight. He said, "Since in your government there is no due respect paid to poet, artists and the intellectuals like me, I must leave and go some where I might be valued and respected." He decided to go where he might be valued and appreciated. Thus, he approached Muawiyah, because he thought that Muawiyah would value and welcome him as a poet. It does not matter. When a person is so blinded by his feelings that he could not see the luminosity of Ali (pbuh), the disastrous result of such blindness is that he will approach Muawiyah and devote himself to him. The Commander of the Faithful (pbuh) (pbuh) knew that he would lose a man who was an important poet. The role of a poet was more important at that time than today, because there was no mass media such as TV and radio. It was the poets who spread ideas by composing poetry.

You see that how beautifully the piety of the Commander of the Faithful (pbuh) (pbuh) was combined with his powerful government. There is no such example in the world. We have not come across such a case in history anymore. The caliphs previous to the Commander of the Faithful (pbuh) (pbuh) were very decisive and in this context. When one looks at their history one comes across extraordinary acts on their part. However there is an amazing and incredible difference between the Commander of the Faithful (pbuh) (pbuh) and what has been observed before and after him to this day and cannot be mentioned or contemplated.

Another example is that of his power and him being treated unjustly. At his time, who was more powerful than the Commander of the Faithful (pbuh), whose bravery was extremely astonishing. Till the end of the life of the Commander of the Faithful (pbuh) (pbuh), nobody dared to claim that could stand against the bravery of Amir ul Momineen (pbuh). This very man, Ali (pbuh), was the most unjustly treated one at his time but rather, according to that which has been said, he may be the most unjustly treated human beings in Islamic history. Having power and being treated unjustly are such that they cannot be combined together. Usually, men of power are not opposed, but the Commander of the Faithful (pbuh) was treated unjustly.

Another example is his asceticism. The Commander of the Faithful (pbuh) is an ideal model of asceticism and lack of desire for the world. Perhaps, one of the most important subjects in the Nahj al-Balaghah is asceticism. During the twenty-five year period between the departure of the Prophet and his assuming government, the Commander of the Faithful (pbuh) himself was involved in developing fields for cultivation, making gardens, digging wells and watering fields out of his own property. What is surprising is that he did all these in the cause of God.

It is worth noting that the Commander of the Faithful (pbuh) had the largest income at his time. He is quoted saying, "If my alms are distributed among the Hashimites, it will suffice them." Such was the income of the Commander of the Faithful (pbuh) (pbuh). However, such a man with such a large income lived in the poorest manner, because he gave all ha had in the cause of God. Once he went into the ground and dug a well by himself. The narrator said, "I saw water gushing from the well like that from a throat of a camel and then started to flow. When the Commander of the Faithful (pbuh) (pbuh) came out of the well covered with mud, he sat by the side of it and asked for a piece of paper. He wrote on the paper, "This well has been entrusted by Ali Ibne Abi Talib (pbuh) to such and such a people." What you observe during the government of the Commander of the Faithful (pbuh) (pbuh) is the continuation of his personal life which also manifests itself in his rule likewise.

To distance oneself from the world is not contradiction to world development as ordained by God Almighty as a public duty. We can cultivate barren lands and gain wealth, but we should not tie ourselves to it and not be imprisoned by it. We should not be servants of capital, money and wealth and be overwhelmed by them unless one is able to dispose of it comfortable in the way of God. This is an Islamic balance and there are so many similar examples that it would take a long time to mention them now.

The justice of Ali ibn Abi Talib (pbuh) is another example. When we say that Ali ibn Abi Talib (pbuh) was just, it is initially understood by everybody that he established social justice in society. This is what justice is. Above all, justice is that very balance. "On justice are founded the heavens and the earth." It means the very balance in creation. This is the truth of the matter. Justice and truth are ultimately the same and have the same meaning and possess one and the same reality. The characteristics of life of the Commander of the Faithful (pbuh) embody justice and balance, and all the good qualities are properly and quite beautifully combined within him.

One of the other characteristics of the Commander of the Faithful (pbuh) is his seeking forgiveness of God about which I will mention some points at the end of this sermon. The Commander of the Faithful (pbuh)'s supplications, repentance and seeking God's forgiveness are very significant. A personality who is both a warrior and a politician and who ruled over the biggest countries in the world for five years. His territory of government can be estimated at as large as ten countries or so. In view of such an extensive territory of government, and in spite of being occupied in numerous activities, he was a great and perfect politician. The truth of the matter is that he administered the world and in fact, he ran a world. His political strategies, his fights at battlefields, his policies on administration and social affairs, his judgement among people and his attempts at safeguarding human rights in that society are all great achievements which will occupy all man's time. In such cases, those who are one sided may say, "Our worship and supplication are the same thing i.e. working in the cause of God and our work is for Allah." However, the Commander of the Faithful (pbuh) does not say this. He worked and he also worshipped. In some traditions it is said that the Commander of the Faithful (pbuh) often prayed one thousand rakat (units) day and night. However, I have not investigated this matter to ascertain if these traditions are reliable or not.

The supplications (Du'a) which you know about are the famous supplications of the Commander of the Faithful (pbuh). From his youth, the Commander of the Faithful (pbuh) was used to supplication, turning to God in repentance and even on those days, he was engaged. During the lifetime of the Prophet, he was also an active and revolutionary youth. and always busy not having any free time. Even when it was asked in a gathering, `Who worships most among the companions of the Prophet?" Abu Darda.said, "Ali." When he was asked how it could be so, he gave some examples and convinced all that Ali (pbuh) worshipped most. Ali (pbuh) had such a character both as a youth when he was about twenty-five years, and even during his caliphate.

There are various stories told of the worship of the Commander of the Faithful (pbuh). The Alid Leaf (al-Sahifat al-alawiyyah) as compiled by a group of Muslim scholars consist of the supplications recounted of the Commander of the Faithful (pbuh), one of which is the supplication of Kumayl ibn Ziyad (Du'd al-Kumayl), which we recite every Thursday evening. I once asked our late Imam (Imam Khumeini) that among the existing supplications which one he preferred most. After a pause, he said, "Two supplications: the supplication of Kumayl and Munajat al-Sha'baniyyah (Sha'baniyyah Communion)." It is probably that the Sh'abaniyah Munajat are also the words of the Commander of the Faithful (pbuh), because it is related that all the Shi'ite Imams communed with God through it. Moreover, the words and implications in Munajat Sha'baniyyash are similar to those in Du'a al-Kumayl. Du'a al-Kumayl is also a wonderful supplication. The supplication starts by seeking God's forgiveness and imploring him by ten of His Qualities. You will see that the repentance which I referred to a few weeks age is this repentance. That is, it starts with `Oh God, I ask You by Your Mercy which encompasses all things'. Then an oath is taken by means of the ten attributes of God like His Blessings, His Strength, etc. After the oath is taken on these ten attributes of God, it goes on to say, "Oh God, forgive me those sins which tear apart safeguards! Oh God, forgive me those sins which draw down adversities! Oh God, forgive me those sins which alter blessings! Oh God, forgive me those sins which hold back supplication'. In this supplication, the Commander of the Faithful (pbuh) mentions five kinds of sins. The sins which hold back supplication, the sins which bring down calamity, and so on. That is sins which generate wrath, etc. The supplication starts and ends by asking God's forgiveness. The main theme of this supplication is sincerely seeking God's forgiveness. It is in this way that the Commander of the Faithful (pbuh) seeks God's forgiveness.

My dears, the highest and most perfect life is that in which man seeks God's satisfaction and distances himself from the self-godliness and carnal desires which make the individual his own prisoner. Such is a perfect and upright human being. A materialistic human, who is imprisoned in intolerable passion, desires of the soul and sentiments, is an abject human being regardless of how great or high-ranking he appears to be. The Presidents of one the biggest and richest countries who cannot fight against his carnal desires and who are slaves are really weak human beings. However, a poor man who can overcome his carnal desires and traverses the straight path-the path of human perfection as ordained by God-is a great man.

Seeking God's forgiveness saves us from inferiority. It frees us from the chains and cleanses the cloak covering our luminous hearts (which Allah subhanawatallah has given you).The heart (qalb) means life, spirit or that which is man's real identity which in itself is of luminous nature. Every human being is luminous in essence, even he/she who does not commune with or has no knowledge of God is in essence luminous. However, as a result of lack of knowledge of God, committing sins and fulfilling one's carnal desires, the spirit has become opaque. Seeking God's forgiveness removes opacity and gives rise to luminosity.

The month of Ramadhan is the time for seeking forgiveness of God, supplication and turning to God in repentance. Two nights, i. e., the nineteenth and twenty-first ones, which could be taken as the Nights of Blessing (Qadr) have passed, but the twenty-third one is ahead of us so recognise its relevance. From the beginning of the twenty-third night, that is from the time of sunset, the Divine Peace, `Peace! It is till the rising of the dawn.'( Quran XCVII, 5), starts until the dawn call to prayer. These few hours in between consist of Divine Peace, Godly Security and Mercy that encompass the whole creation. That night is a wonderful night. It is better than a thousand months. That is to say, it is better than a thousand months when compared to the life span full of blessings and mercy. This one night is better than a thousand nights and it is considered extremely important so show respect to this night. Spend it supplicating and pondering on the signs of creation, man's destiny, the duties as ordained by God upon man and not being dependent on the material life. Whatever we see is merely a gateway to that world which opens every moment a breath is taken.

My dears, once the last breath is taken, we enter another world. We should prepare ourselves for that day. The purpose for all this world, wealth, all the potentialities placed within us by God, whatever is willed by God for man, such as just government, comfortable life and so on, is to give man an opportunity to prepare himself for the life in the other world. Prepare yourself, get close to God, have Commune with Him, invoke Him and seek His forgiveness. Those who turn to God in such a way at that time, purify their hearts, abandon sins and decide to do good deeds are so great beings that they can stand against any difficulties in this world. An example of it is our great Imam (Imam Khomeini). The believers of our own society can be taken as other examples. Each of the indefatigable and believing youth, men and women, those who were martyred, those who are war invalids, those who were prisoners of war, those who endured being away from their beloved children, and those who endured hardships at battlefronts. Today, your are escorting thousand martyrs from such people to their final resting-place. Each of them is an outstanding example and how proper it will be if every nation has such an example to glorify and follow. It is also worthwhile to respect them and consider them as ideal examples.

In a brief sentence I would like to remember the twenty-first day of the month of Ramadhan, in the year 40 A. H, which is the day of the martyrdom of the Commander of the Faithful (pbuh). On this day, Kufa had a tragic scene. Remember the moment when you all heard in Tehran that our great Imam had passed away. You noticed how bewildering, shocking and heartbreaking it was. Of course, in view of the illness of the Imam, some were worried and expected such an event. However, as for the Commander of the Faithful (pbuh), just a few hours prior to his martyrdom, he was waking up those sleeping in mosque, his call to prayer might have resounded in the air of Kufa, and his spiritual voice, that is his pearl words overwhelming the mosque of Kufa may have been heard by the people till the last day. Up to the previous night his voice was heard. The people were in their houses when they suddenly heard a loud voice saying sadly, "Verily, the pillars of right guidance have fallen down; Ali al-Murtada was murdered." Thus, the people of Kufa and then all the world of Islam heard about the martyrdom of the Commander of the Faithful (pbuh).

In fact on numerous occasions the Commander of the Faithful (pbuh) had announced his martyrdom again and again, and almost all his relatives knew about it. During the lifetime of the Prophet, at the time of the Battle of the Ditch (Khandaq), Ali (pbuh), who was a twenty-year-old youth or so fought against and killed Amr ibn Abd Wudd, who was a famous Arab hero and who was honoured by the Quraish and the non-Quraish. They were certain that he would put an end to the Prophet and the Muslims. He returned victoriously but in this fight, Ali's forehead was wounded and blood ran down it. He came to the Prophet. The Prophet looked at him and was saddened by his bloody face. This fighting, sacrificial and beloved youth performed such a feat of valour and returned with a bloody forehead. The Prophet said, "Dear Ali (pbuh) sit down" and he sat. The Prophet asked for a piece of cloth, and he himself probably have cleaned the blood with it. Then he told the two women responsible for wound dressing to dress Ali's wound well. After these orders, suddenly, something occurred to the Prophet, and his eyes might have been filled with tears. He looked at Ali and said to him, "Today I have bandaged your wounds but where shall I be when this (your beard) is coloured by this (blood)." Therefore, all expected such a day, and Imam Ali (PUH) announced it again and again.

Muhammad ibn Shahab Zahari relates: `The Commander of the Faithful (pbuh) was following his murderer.' In other words, it was as if he was impatiently awaiting his murderer to fulfil his duty. He felt the time for the occurrence of his murder moving on slowly. He repeatedly said, "When will this ( his beard) be coloured by this ( blood)?" He was waiting and those close to him also knew of it. However, in spite of being announced before its occurrence, the event had such a great relevance that it upset all. After having been struck, he was brought home. According to a tradition (riwayah) in the Bihar al-Anwar, it is related that Ali (PUH) on occasion he would be unconscious and at another he would regain it. Once after opening his eyes and finding his daughter sitting before him and weeping, he said, `Do not grieve me; O Umm Kulthum, because you will not weep if you see what I see. Verily, the angels in the seven heavens are queuing with the prophets saying O Ali come to us, for what is before you is better for you than what you are in.'

O Lord, in the name of Muhammad and his household do not turn down those who have prayed to you for the fulfilment of their needs on these days and nights, and who will keep praying to you for their needs on the Twenty-third night and the following days. O Lord, satisfy in full the needs of the Iranian nation, the needs of those who seek your forgiveness and who remember you. O Lord, remove the people's difficulties. O Lord, let our country, society, and the people follow Ali (PUH) with all their hearts and make us be among the true followers of the Commander of the Faithful (pbuh) and grant us insight into the sublimity of the status of the Commander of the Faithful (pbuh). O Lord, forgive us our sins. O Lord, by your grace and munificence, forgive us those sins and errors which hold back your mercy. O Lord, in the name of Muhammad and his household let Waly-i Asr ( the Imam of the ``Period'') be happy with us and let us enjoy his prayer. O Lord, in the name of Muhammad and his household, hasten his appearance and make us be among his army during his occultation and appearance. O Lord, let us not die but as martyrs in your cause. O Lord, in the name of Muhammad and his household, make Islam and Muslims victorious all over the world. O Lord, make the Iranian nation honoured and victorious on all scenes and arenas and let the enemies of the Iranian nation be humiliated, suppressed and distracted. O Lord, let the enemies of Islam and Muslims in any guise and form be cursed and forsaken on your part. O Lord, let the hearts of the Islamic community and the Muslims of all the countries in the world be brought close to the unifying principle of Islam. O Lord, let the divisive hands be cut off. O Lord, let the deceased and our parents enjoy your forgiveness. O Lord, let the pure heart of our great Imam be associated with the pure spirits of the prophets and the Imams. Let him be associated with the Commander of the Faithful (pbuh). Let the pure spirits of the martyrs be joined with those of the martyrs of Karbala and those of early Islam.

In the Name of God, the Merciful, the Compassionate When comes the help of God, and victory, And thou dose see the people enter God's religion in crowds, Celebrate the Praises of thy Lord, and pray for His Forgiveness: For He is Oft-Returning (in Grace and Mercy) (Quran CX, 1-3).

Was-salamu `alaykum wa rahmatullahi wa barakatuh.

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